Post spade and earth drill



May 6, 1930. J. M. KIRKPATRICK POST SPADE AND EARTH DRILL Filed July 26, 1927 Patented May 6, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE POST SPADE AND EARTH DRILL Application filed July 26,

My invention relates to new and useful improvements in a post spade and earth ClIlll, and has for its primary object the provision of a combination tool which is applicable to many purposes, one of which is its use by surveyors in digging holes for posts, drilling through hard substances, indicating the depth of holes and its utilization as a line stake.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool that may be readily disassembled for packing or storage in a small space or the parts interchanged for different kinds of work.

With these and other ends in view, this invention consists in the details of construction and combination of elements hereinafter set forth and then specifically designated by the claims.

In order that those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains, may understand how to make and use the same, I will describe its construction in detail, referring by numerals to the accompanying drawings 25 forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1, is a side elevation of the tool with parts broken away and shown in section illustrating it for use as a spade.

Fig. 2, is an edge view of the spade head.

Fig. 3, is a plan or top end view of said spade head.

Fig. 4:, is an enlarged section on the line 4:-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5, is an enlarged plan view of the link.

Fig. 6, is an end view of the drill head.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation thereof.

In carrying out my invention as herein embodied, 8 represents a tubular metal staff having internal threads at one end and external threads at the other. On the externally threaded end is mounted a reducing nipple 9 into the smaller bore of which is threaded a handle 10 of any desirable or suitable shape and size.

In the internally threaded end may be mounted the post spade 11 by means of its externally threaded neck 12 or the drill 14 by means of its neck 15. The two tool heads are interchangeable to adapt the tool to the particular Work for which it is to be used.

1927. Serial No. 208,438.

The post spade head 11 is in the form of a flat blade while the earth drill tool head 14 is conical.

On the staff 8 is removably and adjustably mounted the cross piece 16 consisting of two similar members, each comprising a central curved portion 17 and oppositely projecting arms 18, said members being secured to each other and about the staif by suitable fasten ing devices 19, such as bolts 20 and nuts 21. The cross piece is used as a foot rest by the operator so as to add the pressure of the foot during the digging or drilling operations, and also as a gauge to determine or indicate when the hole has been completed to the depth desired. This is done by first deciding on the depth of the hole and measuring the distance on the tool from the cutting edge or point of the tool head and then setting the cross piece at the located point.

A link 22, of wire or other suitable material, is placed upon the staff between the nipple 9 and cross piece 16 to prevent accidental displacement thereof, and to this link may be attached a cord or chain for use as a surveyors line or other kindred purpose. When so used the tool is forced or driven into the ground to act as a stake.

Of course I do not wish to be limited to the exact details of construction as herein shown as these may be varied within the limits of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and useful is:

1. A tool comprising a staif, a handle removably mounted on one end thereof; a tool head removably mounted on the other end of the staif; and a cross piece removably and adjustably mounted on the stafi to act as a foot rest and depth gauge, all of said parts being combined in a unitary structure capable of being disassembled.

2. A. tool comprising a tubular staff internally threaded at one end, and externally threaded at the other end; a reducing nipple mounted on the externally threaded end; a handle threaded into said nipple; and a tool including an externally threaded neck for mounting in the internally threaded end of the staff.

3. In a tool of the class described including a stafi, a cross piece comprising two identical members, each consisting of a curved central portion for coaction with the staff and a pair of oppositely projecting arms, the arms of one member paralleling those of the other member and fastening means passing through the arms of the two members to clamp them upon the staff.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature.

JOHN M. KIRKPATRICK. 

